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Citizenship Clinics

As the fastest growing racial group in the nation, Asian Americans have the opportunity to shape the country we live in. By becoming a citizen, you can make your voice heard and insist our representatives take our communities' needs into account when making decisions that affect us all.

Why Attend a Workshop?

We know the naturalization process can be daunting. That's why we want to help you navigate the system, understand the benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen and access the resources to help you complete your application. The following information is not comprehensive, but can help you get started. Contact us to find out more, and click here to read stories from Asian Americans who naturalized, and what U.S. citizenship means to them.

Why become a U.S. Citizen?

You will be eligible for a U.S. passport, making international travel easy

You won't have to worry about being deported, losing your visa, or losing your lawful permanent resident (LPR) status

If you have family living abroad, you could bring them to live in the U.S. more quickly

You can apply for government jobs that require U.S. citizenship

How do I know if I qualify?

You're at least 18 years old

You've lived in the U.S. as a green card holder for more than five years

You've been physically present in the U.S. for more than two and a half years

You can speak, read, and write basic English

You can pass a basic test on U.S. government and history

If you're unsure of whether you qualify, the best thing to do is contact APALRC's helpline at 202-393-3572 to learn more.

What if I'm not fully fluent in English?

You need to be proficient, not fluent, in order to pass the test. You just need to be able to speak, read and write in basic English.

Some older individuals are exempt from the English language requirement.

If you are 50 or older and have lived in the U.S. as a permanent resident (with a "green card") for 20 years, you will not be tested on your English skills. You still need to take the civics test, but may take it in the language of your choice.

If you are 55 or older and have lived in the U.S. as a permanent resident (with a "green card") for 15 years, you will not be tested on your English skills.You still need to take the civics test, but may take it in the language of your choice.

If you are 65 or older and have lived in the U.S. as a permanent resident for 20 years, you will not be tested on your English skills.You will be given a simplified version of the civics test, which you may take in the language of your choice.

In-language study materials are available to help you prepare for the civics test.

The fees to apply for U.S. citizenship are high. And I hear that lawyers are expensive. How can I afford to become a citizen now?

If you currently receive benefits such as Medicaid, food stamps (now part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you may be eligible for a waiver of the $725 application fee.

Fee waivers are available for low-income individuals, and, as of December 23, 2016, a partial fee waiver is available to individuals of moderate means

There are organizations that provide legal assistance free of charge or for a reduced fee. Many of them currently host citizenship clinics to help people complete naturalization applications.